Healthy Happy Hour in Seattle

Posted on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 12:02am

Kelly answers the frequent request for low-calorie drink ideas.

It’s officially summer and if you’re anything like me, on a nice day I want to be sipping a glass of sparkling rosé on the water. Summer is such a fun time in the Pacific Northwest, but moderation is key to savoring the sun.

The most common question I receive from readers is for low-calorie drink options during happy hour.Happy hour can be a diet death trap because it’s easy to consume the liquid equivalent of a meal before you’ve even had dinner.

I’m not an advocate of “Iight” drink options (life is just too short for 55 calorie beer), so I’ve researched the best libations naturally less than 100 calories that are full of flavor and freshness. Order one of these at happy hour or make them at your next stoop party.

All this drinking might leave you hungry.Don’t miss my post on healthy late-night dining options in Seattle and have fun in the sun!

It’s officially summer and if you’re anything like me, on a nice day I want to be sipping a glass of sparkling rosé on the water. Summer is such a fun time here in the Pacific Northwest that no one wants to miss out on a good time; but moderation is key to savoring the sun.

The most common question I receive from readers is for low-calorie drink options during happy hour.Happy hour can be a diet death trap because it’s easy to consume the liquid equivalent of a meal before you’ve even had dinner.

I’m not an advocate of “Iight” drink options (life is just too short for 55 calorie beer), so I’ve researched the best libations naturally less than 100 calories that are full of flavor and freshness for summer that you can order at your favorite watering hole or make at your next stoop party.

Gimlet

With all the fresh lime and ice cold sparkling water, it’s really refreshing.Just be careful, they can go down very easy.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz gin

2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 cup ice

(muddle some peeled cucumber for an additional layer of freshness)

Stir together, serves one.

Watermelon Martini

Pureed watermelon and a shot of vodka and a touch of agave nectar

3 oz blended watermelon flesh, chilled

1.5 oz vodka

One mint leaf (optional)

Shake and pour, serves

It’s officially summer and if you’re anything like me, on a nice day I want to be sipping a glass of sparkling rosé on the water. Summer is such a fun time here in the Pacific Northwest that no one wants to miss out on a good time; but moderation is key to savoring the sun.

The most common question I receive from readers is for low-calorie drink options during happy hour.Happy hour can be a diet death trap because it’s easy to consume the liquid equivalent of a meal before you’ve even had dinner.

I’m not an advocate of “Iight” drink options (life is just too short for 55 calorie beer), so I’ve researched the best libations naturally less than 100 calories that are full of flavor and freshness for summer that you can order at your favorite watering hole or make at your next stoop party.

Gimlet

With all the fresh lime and ice cold sparkling water, it’s really refreshing.Just be careful, they can go down very easy.